The Lords Day Worship Service

February 19, 2012 ~ New City Church Calgary

Welcome We are glad you have joined us today. Whether you are a Christian seeking to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ, or a skeptic looking for answers, or someone who is struggling to make sense of life and are looking for a caring community, you are warmly welcome here. Were glad you came. There is a nursery available for kids aged 0-2 years. Kids are always welcome in the service with us too. After the Service Please stay around for some refreshments after the service and meet someone new. If we havent met you before, please come say Hello. Wed like to make that connection. Pastors John Ferguson & Mike Ivancic

Reflections & Preparation for Worship O God, by Your power may we, together with all the saints, comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that we may be filled with Your fullness. Amen. ~ based on Ephesians 3:18-19 No mere man since the Fall is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but daily breaks them in thought, word, & deed. ~ Westminster Shorter Catechism, #82 Trying to be justified by the Law is like counting money out of an empty purse, eating and drinking from an empty dish and cup, looking for strength and riches where there is nothing but weakness and poverty, laying a burden on someone who is already oppressed to the point of collapse, trying to spend a hundred gold pieces and not having even a pittance. ~ Martin Luther, reformer Our salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. Faith is a needy cry for God, while works try to impress God. Faith is a hand reaching out for help, while works insist that no help is needed. Faith trusts that God alone can accomplish salvation, while works smuggle in human effort. ~ Thomas Schreiner, New Testament scholar To see the Law by Christ fulfilled To hear His pardoning voice Changes a slave into a child And duty into choice. ~ William Cowper, Love Constraining to Obedience God Calls Us To Worship 1

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. ~ Psalm 150:6
The Call to Worship Leader: People: Leader: Unison: ~ from Psalm 86:8-10 & 73:25-26

There is none like You, O Lord, nor are there any works like Yours. All the nations You have made shall come and bow down before You, O Lord, and glorify Your name. For You are great and do wondrous things, You alone are God! Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and My portion forever! All Creatures of our God and King

Hymns of Praise & Worship 1. All creatures of our God and King Lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia, Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam Thou silver moon with softer gleam O praise Him, O praise Him Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia 2. Thou rushing wind that art so strong Ye clouds that sail in heavn along O praise Him, Alleluia! Thou rising morn in praise rejoice Ye lights of evening find a voice O praise Him, O praise Him Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia 3. Thou flowing water, pure and clear Make music for thy Lord to hear Alleluia, Alleluia! Thou fire so masterful and bright That givest man both warmth and light O praise Him, O praise Him Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia 4. And all ye men of tender heart Forgiving others take your part O sing ye, Alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear Praise God and on Him cast your care O praise Him, O praise Him Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia 5. Let all things their Creator bless And worship Him in humbleness, O praise Him, Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father Praise the Son, And praise the Spirit, Three in One O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

His Name is Jesus All hail the power of Jesus name Let angels prostrate fall Bring forth the royal diadem And crown Him Lord of all Bring forth the royal diadem And crown Him Lord of all Ye chosen seed of Israels race Ye ransomed from the fall Hail Him who saves us by His grace And crown Him Lord of all Hail Him who saves you by His grace And crown Him Lord of all

chorus: His name is Jesus Risen Lamb, for sinners slain His name is Jesus

All creation sings the praise Of Jesus name Let every kindred, every tribe On this terrestrial ball To Him all majesty ascribe And crown Him Lord of all To Him all majesty ascribe And crown Him Lord of all Hail the Day Hail the day that Christ arose Through the skies to worlds unknown Glorious there He ever reigns Object of all Heavens praise See Him lift His hands above See the scars of His great love He has conquered death and sin Saving all who hope in Him (chorus) Hallelujah, hallelujah The King of Love is on His throne Hallelujah, hallelujah His grace will lead us safely home Though He dwells beyond the stars His redeemed are on His heart Even now He intercedes Jesus cares for all our needs (repeat chorus) Hallelujah (hallelujah) We are redeemed Hallelujah (hallelujah) Jesus is our King (repeat 3x)

God Graciously Renews Us in Christ Have mercy on me, O God, in Your faithful love, in Your great tenderness wipe away my offenses; wash me thoroughly from my guilt, purify me from my sin. ~ Psalm 51:1-2
Call to Confession Leader: ~ from Isaiah 30:15, 18, &19b

The Lord God, the Holy One of Israel spoke through the prophet Isaiah, saying, In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah pleaded with the people, Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show mercy to youHe will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as He hears it, He answers you. ~ from Psalm 25:6-7, 11, 16-18

Prayer of Confession

Unison: Remember Your mercy, O Lord, and Your steadfast love, for they have been of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember me for the sake of Your goodness.

~ Silent confession & reflection For Your names sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and trouble and forgive all my sins. Amen. The Words of the Gospel Leader: ~ based on Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Peter 1:18; 2:18

Isaiah the prophet spoke about the coming Saviour of the word, Jesus Christ, when he said, Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His stripes we are healed. Understand then that you were ransomed not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ. He suffered for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring us to God.

Song of Response Mighty to Save Everyone needs compassion Love that's never failing Let mercy fall on me Everyone needs forgiveness The kindness of a Saviour The Hope of nations Saviour, He can move the mountains My God is Mighty to save He is Mighty to save Forever, Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave So take me as You find me All my fears and failures Fill my life again I give my life to follow Everything I believe in Now I surrender Saviour, He can move the mountains My God is Mighty to save He is Mighty to save Forever, Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave (repeat) Shine your light and let the whole world see We're singing for the glory of the risen KingJesus! Shine your light and let the whole world see Were singing for the glory of the risen King

God Gives Us His Words of Eternal Life Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life! Let Your word dwell in us richly, that whatever we do, in word or deed, we may do everything in Your name, giving thanks to the Father through You. ~ based on John 6:68, Colossians 3:16-17

Todays Scripture Lesson:

The Gospel, The Curse, & The Cross

John Ferguson, Lead Pastor

GALATIANS 3:10-14

10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them. 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for The righteous shall live by faith. 12 But the law is not of faith, rather The one who does them shall live by them. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for usfor it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Leader: Unison: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
(notes)

Main Idea: Since the curse of the law is spiritual death separated from God, we must become convinced that the curse of the law is only removed in the curse (i.e., the Cross) of Christ.

 God Feeds Us His Covenant Meal From the east and the west, from the north and the south, people will come and take their places at the banquet in the Kingdom of God. ~ based on Luke 13:29
A Word About Participating in The Sacrament of The Lords Supper The Lords Supper is a special family meal that Christ gave to His Bride, the Church. For Christians, this meal is a time to receive these signs and seals of the New Covenant which Christ has established with them. Believers come to this Table to meet with their Lord and Saviour by faith, to be renewed by Him and strengthened in their callings and mission as they eat the bread and drink the wine. Therefore, all baptized Christians who trust in Christ alone as their Lord and Saviour, who are connected to a church that proclaims His Gospel, and who are at peace with their fellow believers, are invited to come to the Table. If you are not yet a Christian, or if for whatever reason you are not prepared to share in this meal, we would encourage you to spend this time in prayer (perhaps using one of the prayers listed below). Consider the invitation of Jesus, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirstfor my Fathers will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:35, 40). We would ask that children who have not yet professed belief in the Lord Jesus also refrain from partaking until doing so. The pastor would be delighted to speak to families about what it means to participate in the Lords Supper. The Words of Institution

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lords death until he comes.
~ 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 The Sacrament of The Lords Supper Please come forward by rows to the center aisle and form a semi-circle in front of the Table to receive the bread and the wine. When finished, place your cup at the side tables and proceed to your seat via the outer isles. If you are unable to come forward, we would be delighted to serve you at your seat. New City Church uses wine in serving the Lords Supper. We would encourage you to take of the wine since it is a symbol of joy and celebration in Scripture. However, juice is also provided if you cannot drink wine due to health reasons or issues of conscience.

Prayers for Those Not Communing A Prayer Searching for the Truth: Jesus, You claim to be the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except by You. If what you claim is true, please guide me and teach me. Open to me the reality of who You are. Grant that I might be undaunted in following You as I consider the reasons for doing so. Give me an understanding of You that is coherent, convincing, and leads to the eternal life that You promise. Amen. A Prayer of Trust in the Lord Jesus: Jesus, I confess that I am more broken, flawed, and sinful than I had ever before dared to admit. Yet You tell me that I am more loved than I ever dared to hope, and that You accept all who turn to You in simple faith. I am doing that right now. I thank You for taking the justice that my sins deserved when You died on the Cross. I eagerly trust You for the forgiveness for my sins, and I receive from You now the eternal life that You promise to all who come to You. Amen. A Prayer for Those Struggling with Sin: Lord Jesus, You know the battle that rages within my heart. Grant that in my battles with sin, I may see in You the fulfillment of all my needs. Give me strength to turn from every false satisfaction to find my ultimate joy in You. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely to me, and fill me with your Spirit to run with perseverance the race you have set before me, looking to You, the pioneer and champion of my faith. Amen. A Prayer for Children (who have yet to profess faith): Jesus, the Bible tells me that You blessed kids like me. Help me to know who You are and to understand what You have done for me. Amen. Communion Hymns Here I Am To Worship Light of the world You stepped down into darkness Open my eyes, let me see Beauty that made this heart adore You Hope of a life spent with You chorus Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You're my God You're altogether lovely All together worthy All together wonderful to me King of all days Revelation Song Worthy is the Lamb who was slain Holy, Holy, is He Sing a new song to Him who sits on Oh so highly exalted Glorious in heaven above Humbly You came To the earth You created All for love's sake became poor (repeat chorus) I'll never know how much it cost To see my sin upon that cross I'll never know how much it cost To see my sin upon that cross (repeat)

Heaven's Mercy Seat (repeat) chorus Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come With all creation I sing Praise to the King of Kings You are my everything And I will adore You Clothed in rainbows of living color Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder Blessing and honor, strength and Glory and power be To You the Only Wise King (repeat chorus) Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder At the mention of Your Name Jesus, Your Name is Power Breath, and Living Water Such a marvelous mystery (repeat chorus) Holy, Holy, Holy Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wert and art and evermore shalt be. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy, There is none beside Thee, Perfect in powr in love & purity. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea; Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

God Receives Our Offerings lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Jesus, in Matthew
6:20-21

The Prayers of the People Leader: Unison: Let us pray

(The leader prays for specific requests as the assembly prays along with him).

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts As we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, Now and forever. Amen.

The Presentation of our Tithes and Offerings This collection of our tithes and offerings is for those who consider New City Church their church family and regularly benefit from her ministry and want to invest in her mission. If you are visiting with us, please feel no obligation to give. Hymn of Praise & Worship Before the Throne of God Above Before the throne of God above I have a strong, a perfect plea A great High Priest whose name is Love Who ever lives and pleads for me My name is graven on His hands My name is written on His heart I know that while in Heavn He stands No tongue can bid me thence depart No tongue can bid me thence depart When Satan tempts me to despair And tells me of the guilt within

The language of debt/debtor is not to be understood primarily in a financial sense but in the moral/ theological sense of our indebtedness due to our sins against God and others, or the sins others may have committed against us.

Upward I look and see Him there Who made an end to all my sin Because the sinless Savior died My sinful soul is counted free For God, the Just, is satisfied To look on Him and pardon me To look on Him and pardon me Behold Him there! The risen Lamb My perfect, spotless Righteousness The great unchangeable I Am The King of glory and of grace! One with Himself I cannot die My soul is purchased by His blood My life is hid with Christ on high With Christ, my Saviour and my God With Christ my Saviour and my God

Our Confession of Faith Leader: Unison:

~ from the Heidelberg Catechism Q&A #60

Christian, how are you made right with God? Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments and of never having kept any of them, and even though I am still inclined to all evil, nevertheless, without my deserving it at all, out of sheer grace God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner, as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me. All I need to do is to accept this gift of God with a believing heart.

God Sends Us Out Into The World With His Blessing

God has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. ~ from Micah 6:8
Leader: People: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Galatians 6:18). Amen!

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 Community Life
Newcomers Class Beginning February 19, New City Church will offer a class orienting you to the beliefs, values, & goals of the church. Open to everyone, this class will take place immediately after the worship service for about 45 minutes. Feel free to come with your questions & thoughts! If you are thinking of hitching your wagon to New City Church through membership, you wont want to miss this class. Downtown Study: Grace on the Bow Grace on the Bow is a weekly gathering every Thursday for those in the downtown area exploring key and relevant areas to life from a Christian perspective and in a non-threatening environment. New location: We meet at the Bank of Montreal Head office located at 350 - 7th Avenue SW. We meet in the lobby off of 3rd Street, in front of the information desk at 12:00 and end at 1:00 promptly. As always, all are welcome. For more information please contact Mike Ivancic at 403.828.2241. Mens Discipleship: Basic Training, March 1 The mens discipleship group will meet again on Thursday, February 16, 7-9pm in the Board Room here at the Confederation Park Activity Centre. Revamped for the home stretch, we are working through Journey in Prayer. Feel free to join us or stop by and check out what we are doing. Attn. Ladies: Mark your calendars for Story People Ladies, come join us each month for a time of connecting more deeply with one another as we share our stories of life together. We will meet the second Monday of each month at the home of Catherine Gordon, 3508 Varal Road, NW at 7pm. Our first get-together will be March 12. At this first meeting we will be sharing stories of "deepening" - a time when you learned something new or deeper about yourself or in your relationship with God and you were changed by it. There is no obligation to share - just to encourage and build up one another in the Lord. Please join us and bring a finger food to share. Contact Heather Ferguson for more information: 208-6644 or hferguson10@gmail.com. Reformed Women's Retreat 2012 Our All-Sufficient God Please join us for our second annual women's retreat to be held at beautiful Camp Caroline on April 27 & 28. Registrations can be downloaded from http://reformedwomensretreat.blogspot.com/. The cost for this year's retreat is $130 and includes all meals. Note that payment must be in by April 2, 2012. This year's retreat will feature three sessions by Sally Gleason. Please talk to Shannon de Jong (403.207.7817) if you would like more information. Jr./Sr. High Retreat: April 13-15 A handful of sister churches in Alberta are combining for a retreat for students on April 13-15 at Gull Lake. Cost is $115 before March 22 & $125 after ($105 for siblings). Scholarships are available. See pastor John for more details. The Second Calgary Reformed Conference The date has been set for April 13-14, 2012 with Dr. Derek Thomas as our guest speaker. The theme will be When the Storm Breaks: Suffering the Christian Life (An overview of the book of Job) with one session on Friday evening and two on Saturday morning. The conference will be held at Woodgreen Presbyterian Church. See www.calgaryreformedconference.ca. All songs used by permission

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CCLI license # 273300. Parts of the worship service are adapted from or reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, c. 2004, CRC Publications. Coffee with a Pastor? If you have any questions about Christianity, or would simply like to get together and talk about the issues of life, pastors John and Mike are available to you. You can contact him at john@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.991.5555. If you work in the downtown area, touch base with pastor Mike Ivancic who also works in downtown. You can contact him at mike@newcitychurch.ca or call 403.828.2241. Weekly Servants Schedule

Giving Update

*Non-NCC indicates funds raised outside the congregation of New City Church to aid in this church planting project.

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